Branstad Visits MHP And Talks About Its Impact

Governor Terry Branstad (left) is greeted by MHP board member Jim Hansen on Thursday afternoon. (photo by Don Hubbard)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – How does a hospital impact the economic viability of a community? On Thursday afternoon, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad visited Mahaska Health Partnership and toured its newest addition. Branstad had visited the facility before while he was president of Des Moines University, and was interested in the changes.

“It’s been a huge improvement. I think it’s great for the people of the Oskaloosa area to have this wonderful health facility in your community,” Branstad stated. Branstad described the addition as “very impressive” saying “it’s very up to date” with modern equipment.

Branstad had been in Sigourney during the morning hours holding a town hall meeting, but their focus had been on visiting the businesses in southeast Iowa.

“We want to be up to date on what’s happening in terms of economic development,” said Branstad. “In this case, it’s not only economic development, it’s also about health.”

Branstad believes a facility like Mahaska Health Partnership is important to economic growth by providing a place where a business can be confident their employees will get good healthcare. Branstad set a goal for being the healthiest state in the nation when he took office, “because that will make Iowa more attractive for more good jobs in the future. Having “modern, up-to-date healthcare facilities like this here in Mahaska County, I think, is a great asset.”

Branstad has set a goal of being the healthiest state in the nation “and having up-to-date health facilities, where people can get screenings as well as out-patient surgery, is really important to helping people maintain their health.”

“We want people to take ownership of their own health. We want to partner with them and we want the state to be very supportive of local health providers,” said Branstad.

Branstad said he was very impressed with the artwork that is displayed in the new addition.  The hospital utilized the works of many local artists, and Branstad thinks this touch helps make the experience a better one for the patients.